Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Project

Canyon Loop Trail 020823(2)Progress Update as of February 13, 2023

Canyon Loop Trail Project Update - Effective February 8, the first and most significant phase of the project was complete which is a week prior to the nesting season for native birds such as the California Gnatcatcher and Cactus Wren.  The improvements on the hardpan trail were successful thanks to the efforts by several City departments, landscape architects, project engineers, biologists, grant managers, Native American monitors, US Fish and Wildlife and CA Fish and Wildlife.

 The trail now includes a safer trail experience and improved amenities such as three benches, a new stairway, gabion walls, water diverters to protect the trail from erosion, V-swales, a water velocity reducer to protect the blue line stream, timber fencing, directional trail markers, and overall trail compaction to ensure a safe experience for residents.  In addition to those amenities, City staff will install two site maps and one flora/fauna interpretive panel over the next several weeks and then return in September (after the nesting season) to install three shade structures over each bench.  Despite the heavy rains over the project period, the team took advantage of these weather events which led to real time adjustments and the placement of additional water diverters to further minimize erosion and meet the actual trail needs.   

 Plans, specifications, and actual trail conditions change over time and the project team made every effort to be proactive when considering the long-term viability of the trail and surrounding habitat.  The team will continue to work with all consultants at US Fish and Wildlife and CA Fish and Wildlife as staff prepares the Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program (HMMP).  In short, this program addresses the environmental impact this project included and will provide a five-year plan which includes on-site vegetation restoration to ensure the revegetation of the habitat is at a greater amount than the take during the project. 

December 15, 2022 - The project is approximately 50% complete and continues to project completion by the end of January 2023.  The contractor has completed trail grading and began placement of V-shaped cobble stone swales to decrease future erosion and trail deterioration.  The first row of gabion baskets have been filled with stones to serve as retaining walls and timber steps with hand rails will soon be installed to provide for additional trail safety.  Staff continues to work closely with the Kizh Nation Native American Monitor, on-site biologists, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and CA Department of Fish and Wildlife to ensure the success of the project.   

Trail will be closed during construction period of October 17, 2022 through January 2023

Cost: Design $250,000 / Construction $1,111,123

Funding Source: Quimby, Park Development, Habitat Conservation Grant, Measure A, and Measure W

Documents:


Project Background

The Canyon Loop Trail is located in the central portion of the Summitridge Park trail system with Ridge Route to the north and Grand View Route to the south. 

The trail is currently unpaved with two existing benches located along the eastern end of the North Canyon Loop and one bench on the eastern end of the South Canyon Loop. 

Proposed improvements include the following: 

  • The existing trail along most of the South Canyon Loop would be widened to approximately five feet and remain a natural, unpaved surface;
  • Gabion retaining walls would be provided in five areas along the South Canyon Loop to stabilize soils and reduce erosion;
  • Stairs with handrails and cobblestone swales would be provided in six areas along the South Canyon Loop to facilitate ease of access and safety and improve drainage;
  • Six drainage crossings are proposed along the South Canyon Loop to improve drainage and reduce erosion;
  • Two shade structures with benches and trash receptacles would be provided along the South Canyon Loop and one shade structure with benches and trash receptacles would be provided along the North Canyon Loop at identified view points;
  • Lodge pole fences with “Trail Closed” signs mounted on the fences would be installed in five areas along the South Canyon Loop to restrict trail users from entering informal trail areas off the existing Canyon Loop trail;
  • A perforated bench is proposed on the west end of the South Canyon Loop;
  • A wayfinding sign would be installed on the eastern and western end of the Canyon Loop Trail;
  • Interpretive signage in various locations that promote awareness of the presence of sensitive biological habitat and species (including the coastal California gnatcatcher and cactus wren), and indicate that the trail was implemented in a manner to minimize impacts to biological resources

Questions

Contact the Ryan Wright, Parks and Recreation Department at (909) 839-7061